Overview & Reviews

Looking for an inexpensive, entry-level new car at a Toyota dealership? In years past, you would've likely walked right by the Yaris' oddly proportioned predecessor, the Echo, and opted to shop for one of its worthy subcompact competitors. Thankfully, the Toyota Yaris is a better vehicle in just about every way.

Still, the first-generation of the Yaris was passable at best in what has become an increasingly competitive subcompact segment, as rivals offered more refinement, greater utility and a more enjoyable drive. But the latest version of Toyota's entry-level car boasts improvements in those key areas that, although still not making it a class leader, at least put it in the hunt. Further bolstered by Toyota's solid reputation for low ownership costs and stellar long-term reliability, the latest Yaris should prove appealing to those looking for practical and economical transportation.

Current Toyota Yaris
Toyota offers the subcompact Yaris as either a two- or four-door hatchback. There is no sedan version. Base L and uplevel LE trims are offered in either body style, while a sporty SE trim is offered only on the four-door. Standard highlights on the L include power door locks, air-conditioning, four-way-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a CD player, USB/iPod connectivity and satellite radio. The LE adds power windows, remote keyless entry, a six-way-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and an upgraded sound system. The SE trim gets a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a unique grille, foglamps, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and upgraded cloth upholstery.

For power, the Yaris comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. Fuel economy, while not class-leading, is still very frugal.

In reviews, we've found the new Yaris easy to like. Although its four-speed automatic would seem to be a major downside alongside some rivals' six-speed units, it manages not to feel archaic. With its timely gearchanges it makes the most of the available power while merging onto fast-moving freeways or dicing with city traffic. Handling is also respectable, with a reassuringly composed demeanor when tackling a twisty road. The SE provides a sporty feel with its quicker steering and additional grip. However, its ride quality isn't as good, and its turning circle is noticeably wider as well.

Used Toyota Yaris Model
The current second-generation Toyota Yaris debuted in the 2012 model year. Compared to the first-generation model, the latest Yaris is about 3 inches longer, and that stretch has been utilized to provide more luggage space. With this Yaris you also get a restyled interior, improved driving feel and additional convenience and safety features. Since that 2012 debut, only minor changes to feature content have taken place.

The first-generation (U.S. market) Toyota Yaris was sold from 2007-'11. It came as a two-door hatchback, a four-door hatchback or a four-door sedan. Toyota made a serious effort to differentiate the sedan from the hatchbacks. As such, it features a different instrument panel, was almost 20 inches longer and has a longer wheelbase. This meant more room for rear passengers, though the hatchbacks did offer an optional adjustable rear seat, which slid fore and aft to increase passenger or cargo space as needed.

All these Yaris models were powered by a 1.5-liter, 106-hp four-cylinder engine that drove the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic. Either way, the Yaris delivered excellent fuel economy. Apart from air-conditioning, standard equipment was fairly sparse. Option highlights included a Sport package that added styling tweaks, 15-inch wheels, foglights, iPod integration and sport seats.

These Yaris models offered an adequate driving experience. The steering was light for easy parking maneuvers, and the turning circle was tight. The engine was peppy enough, though off-the-line acceleration can be sluggish with the automatic transmission.

Changes throughout the years were very minimal in terms of styling, features and powertrains. But anyone considering a used Yaris should note that models prior to '09 may not feature side curtain airbags and antilock brakes, as they were optional for the first two years. For 2010, stability control became standard and the S trim level was eliminated in favor of the optional Sport package.

User Reviews:

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  So Happy I Bought This Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Toni - January 13 - 12:23 am

  Initially, I looked at the 05-07 Toyota Corollas, but once I test drove the Yaris, I was impressed by the sporty and comfortable driving experience. In my search for this car, I read posts from other owners, and now I am happy to add my very favorable opinion on this car. The purchase of this car is one of my best spending decisions, and likely to be yours once you decide on the model (sport/standard), color and transmission (auto/manual). Overall, it was the multiple tests drives of this car that convinced me to buy a new Yaris instead of the used Corolla.

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  It is good. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kate Smith - January 7 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my Yaris a few weeks ago. I used to own a Hyundai Elantra and this is far better. When you are on the highway or in the city it really gets up and goes, unlike the Elantra. It gets great gas mileage and is super cute. The only thing I dont like about it are the cup holders. There are two for bottles in the doors, but the main center one is a bit too far back to be useful when you are driving.

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  Cute and dependable - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Iris - January 2 - 3:10 am

  I bought this car used in January, and I have been extremely happy with it! I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations. I regularly got around 38-42 mpg during the huge Cleveland snowstorms we had in February, and that was even with letting my car run idle for 10-15 minutes to heat it up and get all the snow off. The ABS was a godsend in those storms too. I love how solid and roomy it feels for an economy car. I did test drive the non "S" version, and the doors didnt feel as solid, which is what prompted me to go with the "S". I live in an apartment and have to park on the street, so its easy maneuverability and folding side mirrors are great too.

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  Truth - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By me - December 25 - 3:43 am

  I have had the car less than a month, but in the 3 times that Ive filled it up, Ive gotten either 38-41 mpg (lot of highway with cruise control). Acceleration is not very quick, but is quick enough to get out of tight situations. If you plan on seating 5 people, the back seat curves to two bodies, but the middle is quite small.

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  The Future - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By dikran - December 22 - 1:23 am

  Love this car. No power complaints and I have driven t-birds and a range rover but then its a stick. At 55,000 and still get low 40s mpg on the Highway and mid 30 in town. I love the design interior. And with the fuel situation being what it might be this is a great great car. Fifth in mileage and the top four are hybrids. Drive regularly up and down East Coast in great comfort so no idea what strange driving position is all about. So learn to drive a stick, i.e. real driving, and welcome to the future

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  Best small car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Smitty - December 20 - 5:40 am

  I drive 60 miles to work. My chevy truck gets 15 mpg. Gas prices drove me to the small car and Edmunds reviews by others made my choice for the Yaris. First fillup 38.1 mpg, next fillup 37.9 mpg next was 40.7 mpg. I drive 60 miles work 5 lights hwy driving. I am 6ft 3in plenty headroom sedan 4 door. Fun to drive, plenty trunk room automatic shifts great.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cherie - December 12 - 3:10 am

  I just love this little car, great get up and go and mileage is better than what dealer states. I get 45 miles to gallon hwy, 40 city. I can go to the beach and not worry about spending 55.00 to fill up the truck. Plenty of leg room so you dont feel cramped, only 1 thing I wish I had is cruise - when it comes available i will get that installed. Other from that great buy for the money.

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  Yay - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By plmille2 - December 4 - 6:50 am

  I bought the Yaris to replace my 1999 Honda Civic and I can honestly say I could not be happier. The gas mileage is slightly better, but the overall comfort is amazing. The first day I drove it to work everyone commented on how small it was, then wanted to buy one for themselves when they sat in it. It is SO roomy inside, more roomy than my Civic, and drives very smooth. The body seems solid on the interstate and it hugs the roadway. I was surprised to find how high it sits. There have been many times when I am sitting at a red light and a crossover or SUV pulls up next to me and I am eye level with the driver, and Im only 54". It makes me feel much safer.

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  vios - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By vios - December 3 - 7:06 pm

  Ive been driving this car for about 3 years now, and so far so good, gas mileage is exceptional considering that here in our country a 1.3 engine is available, power is sufficient for me, since i only do city and highway driving. reliability is also great, i drove it 1300 km going to a secluded beach north of our country and back in 4 days.

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  This car is awesome! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By J.Jasper - December 1 - 4:03 am

  I bought it a month ago and its phenomenal! Great on gas, I average 36 mpg and thats mostly street driving. This vehicle is so stylish! Great car at an affordable price. I see this vehicle lasting many years. Its fits any liftstyle, Im single with no kids and I think its very stylish, but it also has room for a few car seats should I decide to upgrade in that area soon! If you want a reliable, fun to drive, economical, stylish sedan this is it! I recommend the manual drive!